Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method, comprising: obtaining reference imaging data, wherein the reference imaging data is acquired at a first time and includes tissue of interest, wherein the reference imaging data includes one of computed tomography, magnetic resonance, single photon emission computed tomography, or positron emission tomography imaging data; obtaining update imaging data, wherein the update imaging data is acquired at a second time, wherein the second time is subsequent to the first time and includes ultrasound imaging data; identifying a difference between the reference imaging data and the update imaging data; changing the reference imaging data based on the identified difference; and displaying the changed reference imaging data.
Medical imaging and image processing. This invention addresses the challenge of updating and visualizing medical imaging data over time, particularly when combining different imaging modalities. The method involves acquiring initial medical imaging data, referred to as reference imaging data, at a specific point in time. This reference data can be derived from various established imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), or positron emission tomography (PET). This reference data captures a tissue of interest. Subsequently, new imaging data, termed update imaging data, is acquired at a later time. This update data is specifically ultrasound imaging data. The core of the method lies in comparing the reference imaging data with the update imaging data to identify any differences. Based on these identified differences, the original reference imaging data is modified or updated. Finally, this altered or changed reference imaging data is displayed to the user. This process allows for the integration of newer, potentially more dynamic, ultrasound information with older, established imaging modalities, providing an updated view of the tissue of interest.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reference imaging data includes one of 2D or 3D imaging data.
This invention relates to medical imaging systems, specifically methods for generating and using reference imaging data to assist in medical procedures. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable reference imaging data to guide medical interventions, such as surgeries or diagnostic procedures, where real-time imaging may be limited or unavailable. The method involves acquiring reference imaging data, which can be either 2D or 3D, to provide a spatial reference for a medical device or instrument during a procedure. The reference imaging data is used to determine the position and orientation of the medical device relative to a target area within a patient's body. This allows for precise navigation and control of the device, improving the accuracy and safety of the procedure. The reference imaging data may be obtained from various imaging modalities, such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound, depending on the specific requirements of the procedure. The data is processed to create a spatial map that can be overlaid with real-time imaging or used independently to guide the medical device. The method ensures that the reference imaging data is accurately aligned with the patient's anatomy, reducing the risk of errors during the procedure. By providing a clear and reliable reference, the method enhances the effectiveness of medical interventions, particularly in complex or minimally invasive procedures where precise navigation is critical. The use of either 2D or 3D imaging data allows for flexibility in adapting the method to different clinical scenarios and imaging technologies.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the update imaging data includes one of 2D or 3D imaging data.
This invention relates to a method for updating imaging data in a medical imaging system, particularly for enhancing the accuracy and usability of medical images. The method addresses the challenge of integrating new imaging data with existing data to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date view of a patient's anatomy or condition. The system captures update imaging data, which may be either 2D or 3D, and processes it to align with previously acquired imaging data. This ensures that the updated imaging data is accurately registered with the existing data, allowing for precise visualization and analysis. The method may involve techniques such as image registration, segmentation, or reconstruction to integrate the new data seamlessly. By supporting both 2D and 3D imaging formats, the method provides flexibility in handling different types of medical imaging modalities, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. The updated imaging data can then be used for diagnostic purposes, treatment planning, or monitoring of medical conditions over time. The invention improves the reliability and efficiency of medical imaging workflows by ensuring that the most current imaging data is accurately incorporated into the patient's medical record.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: driving the change to the reference imaging with the update imaging data.
A system and method for updating reference imaging data in a medical imaging environment. The technology addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate reference images for medical procedures, such as radiation therapy, where patient positioning or anatomical changes over time can lead to misalignment between the reference imaging data and the actual patient anatomy. The method involves acquiring update imaging data of the patient during a procedure, comparing the update imaging data with the reference imaging data to detect discrepancies, and automatically adjusting the reference imaging data based on the detected discrepancies. This ensures that the reference imaging data remains aligned with the patient's current anatomy, improving the accuracy of treatment delivery or diagnostic assessments. The system may include imaging devices, such as X-ray or CT scanners, and processing units that analyze the imaging data to identify changes in the patient's anatomy. The method further includes driving the change to the reference imaging data with the update imaging data, ensuring that the reference imaging data is dynamically updated in real-time or near-real-time to reflect the latest anatomical information. This approach enhances the precision of medical interventions by reducing errors caused by outdated reference images.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the change includes adding at least one of structural information or functional information to the reference imaging data.
This invention relates to medical imaging and data enhancement, specifically improving reference imaging data by adding structural or functional information. The method involves modifying existing imaging data to include additional details that were not originally present, such as anatomical structures or physiological functions. This enhancement allows for more comprehensive analysis and diagnosis. The process may involve integrating data from multiple imaging modalities, such as MRI, CT, or PET scans, to create a more detailed and informative dataset. By adding structural information, the method can highlight anatomical features that were previously obscured or not captured. Similarly, functional information can be incorporated to show physiological processes, such as blood flow or metabolic activity. This enhanced imaging data can be used for better diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and monitoring of medical conditions. The method ensures that the added information is accurately aligned with the original imaging data to maintain spatial and temporal consistency. The invention is particularly useful in clinical settings where detailed imaging is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the at least one of structural information or functional information is present in the update imaging data and absent from the reference imaging data.
This invention relates to medical imaging, specifically methods for detecting changes between reference and update imaging data of a patient. The problem addressed is the need to accurately identify structural or functional differences in medical images over time, such as changes in tissue, organs, or physiological functions, which are critical for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. The method involves comparing reference imaging data (e.g., a baseline scan) with update imaging data (e.g., a follow-up scan) to detect differences. The key innovation is that the method specifically identifies cases where structural or functional information is present in the update imaging data but absent in the reference data. This could indicate new abnormalities, such as the appearance of a tumor, lesion, or other pathological changes. The comparison may involve image processing techniques like segmentation, registration, or machine learning to highlight discrepancies. The method may also include generating a visual or quantitative output to highlight these differences, aiding clinicians in diagnosis. The approach ensures that new or evolving conditions are detected with high accuracy, improving early intervention and treatment planning. The technique is applicable to various imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and PET scans, and can be integrated into existing medical imaging workflows.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the change includes removing at least one of structural information or functional information from the reference imaging data.
This invention relates to medical imaging and data processing, specifically addressing the challenge of modifying imaging data while preserving critical diagnostic information. The method involves altering reference imaging data by selectively removing either structural or functional information, or both, to create a modified version. Structural information refers to anatomical features, while functional information pertains to physiological or metabolic activity. The removal process is designed to enhance data analysis, reduce storage requirements, or improve processing efficiency without compromising essential diagnostic utility. The method may involve filtering, masking, or otherwise processing the imaging data to exclude non-essential details. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where certain types of information are irrelevant to a specific diagnostic task, allowing for more focused and efficient analysis. The modified imaging data can then be used for further medical evaluation, comparison, or machine learning applications. The technique ensures that the remaining data retains sufficient accuracy and relevance for clinical decision-making while optimizing computational resources.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the at least one of structural information or functional information is absent from the update imaging data and present in the reference imaging data.
This invention relates to medical imaging, specifically methods for comparing imaging data to detect changes in anatomical or functional structures over time. The problem addressed is the challenge of accurately identifying differences between a reference imaging dataset and an updated imaging dataset, particularly when certain structural or functional information is missing in the updated data but present in the reference data. This can occur due to limitations in imaging techniques, patient movement, or other factors that affect data acquisition. The method involves analyzing both reference and update imaging data to determine the presence or absence of specific structural or functional information. If the update imaging data lacks information that is present in the reference data, the method accounts for this discrepancy to ensure accurate comparison. This may involve interpolation, extrapolation, or other techniques to estimate missing data or adjust the comparison process accordingly. The goal is to improve the reliability of change detection in medical imaging, which is critical for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as tumors, organ function, or structural abnormalities. The method can be applied to various imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, or ultrasound, and is particularly useful in clinical settings where longitudinal imaging data is used to track disease progression or treatment response.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reference imaging data includes 3D imaging data covering a first volume and the update imaging data include a plurality of successively acquired 2D slices or 3D imaging data covering a second volume, wherein the second volume is a subset of the first volume, and, further comprising: successively changing the reference imaging data over time as the update imaging data becomes available.
This invention relates to medical imaging systems that combine reference imaging data with update imaging data to provide real-time visualization during procedures. The problem addressed is the need for accurate, up-to-date imaging while minimizing radiation exposure or computational overhead. The system uses a reference dataset, such as a pre-acquired 3D scan, and updates it with new 2D slices or smaller 3D volumes acquired during a procedure. The update data covers only a subset of the reference volume, reducing the need for full rescans. As new update data is acquired, the reference dataset is dynamically adjusted to incorporate the latest information, ensuring the displayed image remains current. This approach improves workflow efficiency by maintaining high-quality visualization while reducing the frequency of full-volume scans. The method is particularly useful in interventional procedures where real-time guidance is critical, such as biopsies or minimally invasive surgeries. The system ensures that the reference data evolves with the procedure, providing a balanced trade-off between image accuracy and resource usage.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: changing the reference imaging data at least one of commencement of a procedure or during the procedure.
This invention relates to medical imaging systems, specifically methods for adjusting reference imaging data during a medical procedure. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically update reference imaging data to improve accuracy and adaptability in real-time medical imaging applications, such as image-guided surgery or radiation therapy. The method involves obtaining initial reference imaging data, which may include pre-operative or pre-procedural images such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound scans. During a medical procedure, the system monitors the patient's position or anatomical changes and adjusts the reference imaging data accordingly. The adjustment can occur at the start of the procedure or at any point during the procedure to account for patient movement, anatomical shifts, or other procedural changes. This ensures that the reference imaging data remains aligned with the patient's current state, enhancing the precision of navigation and treatment delivery. The method may also include tracking the patient's position using sensors or imaging modalities, comparing the tracked position to the reference data, and applying corrections to the reference imaging data to maintain accuracy. The adjustments can be automated or manually triggered by a clinician. This dynamic updating of reference imaging data improves the reliability of image-guided procedures, reducing errors caused by misalignment between the reference images and the patient's actual anatomy.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: dynamically changing the reference imaging data with currently acquired update imaging as the currently acquired update imaging becomes available.
This invention relates to medical imaging systems, specifically methods for improving image quality and accuracy in real-time imaging applications. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically update reference imaging data with newly acquired imaging data to enhance tracking, registration, or visualization during medical procedures. The method involves continuously acquiring update imaging data and integrating it into the reference imaging data as it becomes available. This ensures that the reference data remains current, improving the accuracy of subsequent processing steps such as image-guided navigation, motion compensation, or real-time feedback. The system may use various imaging modalities, including ultrasound, MRI, or CT, and the updates can be applied in real-time to maintain alignment between the reference and live imaging data. The dynamic updating process may involve alignment algorithms, interpolation, or machine learning techniques to seamlessly blend the new data with the existing reference. This approach is particularly useful in applications where patient or organ motion, or other dynamic changes, could degrade the accuracy of static reference images. The method ensures that the reference data remains relevant and accurate throughout the procedure, improving clinical outcomes.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the difference is indicative of a change in a size of the tissue of interest.
This invention relates to medical imaging and tissue analysis, specifically detecting changes in tissue size over time. The method involves capturing a sequence of medical images of a tissue of interest, such as those obtained from ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging modalities. The images are processed to identify and track the tissue boundaries or regions of interest across multiple frames. A comparison is made between the boundaries or regions in different images to determine the spatial differences, which are then analyzed to quantify changes in tissue size. The method may include compensating for patient movement or imaging artifacts to ensure accurate measurements. The detected size changes can be used to monitor disease progression, treatment efficacy, or physiological responses. The technique is particularly useful in applications where tissue swelling, shrinkage, or deformation needs to be tracked, such as in tumor monitoring, wound healing, or organ function assessment. The method may also incorporate machine learning or statistical models to improve accuracy and automate the analysis process.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the difference is indicative of a change in a location of the tissue of interest.
This invention relates to a method for detecting changes in the location of tissue within a biological sample, such as in medical imaging or diagnostic applications. The method involves analyzing differences in data obtained from the tissue to determine positional shifts, which may indicate physiological or pathological changes. The core technique compares data from multiple measurements or imaging sessions to identify variations in tissue position, which could be due to movement, deformation, or other dynamic processes. The method may involve capturing images or signals from the tissue at different times or under different conditions, then processing the data to quantify positional differences. These differences are used to infer changes in tissue location, which can be critical for monitoring disease progression, assessing treatment efficacy, or guiding surgical interventions. The approach may incorporate image registration, feature tracking, or other computational techniques to enhance accuracy. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where tissue movement or displacement is a key indicator of underlying biological processes, such as in cardiac imaging, tumor tracking, or soft tissue analysis. By detecting and quantifying these positional changes, the method provides valuable insights for clinical decision-making and research.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the difference is indicative of a new tissue of interest.
A method for detecting new tissue of interest in medical imaging involves analyzing differences between a current image and a reference image of the same anatomical region. The method includes acquiring the current image and the reference image, aligning them to correct for positional differences, and then comparing the images to identify regions where the current image differs from the reference. These differences are processed to determine whether they represent new tissue of interest, such as lesions, tumors, or other abnormalities. The method may involve thresholding, segmentation, or other image processing techniques to isolate and highlight the new tissue. The reference image can be a prior scan of the same patient or a normative model of healthy tissue. The method may also include displaying the identified new tissue to a user for further analysis or diagnosis. The technique is particularly useful in monitoring disease progression, detecting early-stage abnormalities, or assessing treatment efficacy in medical imaging applications.
15. A computing system configured to modify previously acquired reference imaging data based on currently acquired update ultrasound imaging data, comprising: a memory including a reference image data update module with computer executable instructions; and a processor that executes the computer executable instructions, which causes the processor to: register the previously acquired reference imaging data and the currently acquired update ultrasound imaging data, identify at least one of structural information or functional information that is included in one of the previously acquired reference imaging data or the currently acquired update ultrasound imaging data but not the other of the previously acquired reference imaging data or the currently acquired update ultrasound imaging data, modify the previously acquired reference imaging data to one of include or exclude the at least one of the structural information or the functional information, and builds or removes the at least one of the structural information or the functional information over time as current update imaging data becomes available.
This invention relates to medical imaging, specifically systems that update reference imaging data using real-time ultrasound imaging. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically modify pre-existing reference images (e.g., MRI or CT scans) with new structural or functional information from ultrasound imaging, ensuring the reference data remains accurate over time. The system includes a memory with an update module and a processor that executes instructions to align (register) the reference imaging data with the current ultrasound data. It then identifies differences in structural or functional information between the two datasets, such as new anatomical features or changes in tissue function. The system modifies the reference data by either incorporating or removing this information, effectively building or removing details as new ultrasound data is acquired. This allows for continuous refinement of the reference image, improving diagnostic accuracy and tracking of changes in patient anatomy or physiology over time. The system is particularly useful in applications where real-time updates to reference images are critical, such as intraoperative guidance or longitudinal monitoring of disease progression.
16. The computing system of claim 15 , wherein the processor modifies the previously acquired reference imaging data using a wire frame mesh.
This invention relates to computing systems for processing and modifying imaging data, particularly for applications in medical imaging or 3D modeling. The system addresses the challenge of accurately aligning and modifying previously acquired reference imaging data to improve visualization, analysis, or further processing. The system includes a processor that modifies the reference imaging data using a wire frame mesh, which is a structured grid or framework of interconnected lines or edges. This mesh allows for precise adjustments to the imaging data, such as deformation, alignment, or enhancement, while maintaining spatial relationships and structural integrity. The wire frame mesh may be generated based on the reference imaging data itself or derived from additional input data, such as real-time imaging or user-defined parameters. The processor applies transformations or adjustments to the mesh, which are then reflected in the modified imaging data. This approach enables accurate registration, reconstruction, or augmentation of the imaging data for applications like medical diagnostics, surgical planning, or 3D modeling. The system may also include input devices for user interaction, such as adjusting the mesh or specifying modification parameters, and output devices for displaying the modified imaging data. The use of a wire frame mesh ensures that modifications are applied in a controlled and structured manner, preserving the integrity of the original imaging data while allowing for precise customization.
17. The computing system of claim 15 , wherein the update ultrasound imaging data arrives as successive 2D slices or thin 3D volumes and building or removing the at least one of the structural information or the functional information over time includes successively registering sub-portions of the previously acquired reference imaging data with the update ultrasound imaging data as the update ultrasound imaging data becomes available.
This invention relates to a computing system for processing ultrasound imaging data to construct and update structural and functional information from successive 2D slices or thin 3D volumes. The system addresses the challenge of dynamically integrating new ultrasound data with previously acquired reference imaging data to maintain accurate and up-to-date representations of anatomical structures and physiological functions. The system processes update ultrasound imaging data as it arrives, either as 2D slices or thin 3D volumes, and incrementally builds or refines structural and functional information. This involves successively registering sub-portions of the reference imaging data with the incoming update data to align and integrate the new information. The registration process ensures that the structural and functional models remain consistent and accurate over time as additional ultrasound data is acquired. The system may also remove or adjust portions of the structural or functional information based on the update data, allowing for real-time modifications to the reconstructed models. This dynamic updating capability is particularly useful in medical imaging applications where continuous or intermittent ultrasound data is collected, such as during surgical procedures or diagnostic examinations. The system enables real-time visualization and analysis of anatomical and functional changes, improving clinical decision-making and patient monitoring.
18. The computing system of claim 15 , wherein the processor automatically, without user interaction, modifies the previously acquired reference imaging data.
The invention relates to computing systems for processing imaging data, particularly for modifying previously acquired reference imaging data without user interaction. The system includes a processor configured to analyze and adjust reference imaging data, which may have been obtained from medical imaging, satellite imagery, or other sources. The processor automatically corrects distortions, enhances resolution, or updates the reference data based on new information, ensuring accuracy and relevance without manual intervention. This automation is useful in applications where real-time or near-real-time adjustments are necessary, such as in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, or autonomous navigation. The system may also include a memory for storing the reference data and a display for visualizing the modified data. The processor's ability to modify the data autonomously improves efficiency and reduces the need for human oversight, making it suitable for high-throughput or safety-critical applications. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate and up-to-date reference imaging data in dynamic environments where manual adjustments are impractical or time-consuming.
19. The computing system of claim 15 , wherein the processor modifies the previously acquired reference imaging data in response to a signal indicative of a user input accepting the modification.
This invention relates to computing systems for processing and modifying reference imaging data, particularly in applications where precise adjustments are needed based on user input. The system includes a processor configured to acquire and store reference imaging data, which may include medical images, satellite imagery, or other high-resolution datasets. The processor is further configured to generate a modified version of the reference imaging data by applying a transformation, such as scaling, rotation, or filtering, to correct distortions or enhance specific features. The system also includes an input device that allows a user to provide feedback on the modified data, such as accepting or rejecting the changes. In response to a user input signal confirming the modification, the processor updates the reference imaging data with the modified version, ensuring the adjustments are permanently applied. This process enables real-time adjustments to imaging data, improving accuracy and usability in applications like medical diagnostics, remote sensing, or quality control. The system may also include a display for visualizing the original and modified data side by side, facilitating user evaluation. The invention addresses the need for precise, user-driven adjustments in imaging systems where automated corrections may not fully account for contextual or application-specific requirements.
20. A computer readable storage medium encoded with computer executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to: register update ultrasound imaging data with a sub-portion of reference imaging data; compare the registered update ultrasound imaging data and the sub-portion of reference imaging data; determine the update ultrasound imaging data either includes information not in the sub-portion or does not include information in the sub-portion; add the information to the sub-portion in response to the information being in the update ultrasound imaging data and not in the sub-portion; subtract the information from the sub-portion in response to the information not being in the update ultrasound imaging data and being in the sub-portion; and visually presenting the reference imaging data with the added or subtracted information.
Medical imaging systems often struggle to maintain accurate and up-to-date visualizations of anatomical structures, particularly when using ultrasound imaging, which can produce inconsistent or incomplete data due to factors like patient movement or imaging limitations. This invention addresses the problem by providing a method for dynamically updating reference imaging data, such as a 3D model or previous scan, with new ultrasound imaging data to improve accuracy and completeness. The system registers (aligns) new ultrasound imaging data with a relevant portion of the reference imaging data. It then compares the two datasets to identify differences, determining whether the ultrasound data contains new information not present in the reference data or if it lacks information that exists in the reference data. If new information is detected in the ultrasound data, it is added to the reference data. Conversely, if the reference data contains information missing in the ultrasound data, that information is removed from the reference data. The updated reference imaging data is then visually presented, incorporating these changes. This approach ensures that the reference imaging data remains current and accurate, improving diagnostic reliability and reducing the need for repeated imaging. The system is particularly useful in applications where real-time updates are critical, such as intraoperative guidance or longitudinal monitoring of anatomical changes.
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May 12, 2020
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